Key protector



Jan. 22, 1929.

v 1,700,045 C. W. HAMPTON KEY PROTECTOR Filed Nov. 19, 1927 iari s 140 2272 022,

I INVENTOR I BY j U ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 22, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Application filed November 19, 1927. Serial No. 234,515.

This invention relates to retaining devices primarily adapted for holding keys againstdisplacement within locks.

An object of the invention comprehends means adapted for connection with the shanks of door knobs.

Another object of the invention contemplates a key shank gripping element.

More specifically stated the knob engaging portion is adapted for detachable engagement therewith.

WVith the above and other objects in view, the invention further consists of the following novel features and details of construe tion, to be hereinafter more fully described.

illustrated in the accompanying drawing and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a perspective view of the invention as applied for use.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the invention per se.

Figure 3 is a similar view to Figure 2 with the door knob shank locking means released.

Referring to the drawing in detail, wherein like characters of reference denote corre sponding parts, the reference character 10 indicates an escutcheon plate having a key hole slot 11 and a shank 12 provided with a knob 18.

The invention comprehends a plate mem ber 14 bent upon itself to provide a cylindrical loop 15 adapted to accommodate the shank 12 therein. A leg 16 projected from the end of the loop is offset therefrom to lie flush against the plate 14 when locked in the positions in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing. Said leg is provided with a key hole slot 17 adapted to accommodate a headed stud 18 carried upon one side of the plate member 14. The loop 15, of its own tension, will exert an upward tension against the leg and position the shank proper within the restricted portion of the key hole slot whereas the head therefor will engage the outer surface of the leg to lock the loop upon the shank 12.

The opposite ends of the plate member 14 is bent upon itself to provide a loop 19 inwardly tensioned against one side of the plate member 14 in opposed relation to the disposition of the headed stud 18. Said loop 19 terminates to provide an upwardly, outwardly and downwardly curved extremity 20. The shank 21 of a key is pressed between the engaged portions of the extremity 20 and the plate 14 to repose the same within the loop 19; the extremity 20 Will then spring inward-- ly toward and lie flush against the plate member 14.

The key will thus be held within the lock and from which position the same may not be pushed through the key hole slot 11 by unauthorized persons and which will not become displaced therefrom incident to slamming and jarring of the door.

It will be noted that compression of the loop 15 will cause the leg 16 therefor to be come disengaged from the plate member 14.

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction, and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is 1. A key holder for use upon door locks comprising a plate member, a loop formed upon one end of the plate being adapted to accommodate the shank of the door knob therefor, a leg projected from the loop being adapted for detachable connection with the plate member, and a spring loop carried upon the opposed end of the loop being adapted to accommodate the shank of a key for the lock.

2. A key holder comprising a plate member provided with a circular loop upon one end adapted to accommodate the shank of a 'door knob, a leg projected from the loop and offset therefrom adapted to lie flush against said plate, the leg being provided with a key hole slot, a headed stud carried upon one side of the plate being adapted for reception with in the slot, and a normally closed spring loop carried upon the opposed end of the plate and opening upon a reverse side thereof to accommodate the shank of a key.

3. A key holder for use upon door locks comprising a plate member provided with a circular loop upon one end adapted to accommodate the knob shank therein, a leg offset from the free end of the loop being adapted to lie flush with the adjacent side of the plate memwai'dly curved and sprung against the adjacent face of the plate member to prevent displacement of the key shank Within the 1 loop.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

CHARLES W. HAMPTON. 

